The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1887-05-26
CEDAR CREEK.
The Battle as Seen by an Ambulance one,

The Rattle as Seen by an Ambulance Officer.
EDITOR NATIONAL TRIBUNE: ] presume
some Of the comrades will smile when they read
the heading Of this article, and perhaps think
a fight viewed by an ambulance man might
not be much of fight. Never mind boys, read
on.
Daylight was Just dawning on the morning
of Oct. 10 1864; Gen. Clusters Brigade Of Cavalry
was on the right of the Union army, and Sheri-
dan was "20 miles away" The train of which
i had charge this day consisted of eight ambu-
lances, supply wagons, and Gen. Clusters head
quarters wagon. The train was parked on the
creek near where the Sixth Corps made its final
stand.
1t was hardly daylight when the picket-fring
on Clusters Brigade began. Not many shots
were fired before / ordered the train hitched
up, and by the time the order from Gen. Custer
reached me the train was ready TO move. Gen.
Custer Immediately ordered his brigade to
mount, and support was sent 10 the picket-Ilne.
1t was soon evident that no support was needed
on the picket-line of the right flank. Volley
after yolley Of musketry was now ringing out
on the morning air from the left flank aud in
the very camp Of the Eighth Corps their pickle
surprised and their main line 1anked. No
troops could or would stand such q fire, I'M
dressed, unlined and even unarmed as was tho
Eighth Corps at that time.
Gen. Custer took in the situation at glance.
Ordering the train 10 the rear, he directed Inc
to report TO him with two ambulances. The
train was now started for the pike. ] reported
TO Gen. Custer, who had his brigade in position
as proyost-guard, trying TO stop the routed men.
Soldiers without arms and wounded men were
allowed TO pass other men and officers were
ordered TO rally and form in line. In a very
short time quite a line Of infantry was formed
The men were not panicky," but willing and
anxious to fight if given half chance for their
lives. The enemy was sweeping everything
before him.
Gen. Custer then Joined the Cavalry Corp:
near the pike. The cry for ambulances was
urgent. The two ] had were the only ones on
the field, and we could not half take care OF the
wounded general officers. j started TO follow
Gen. Custer but was ordered by Gen. Torbert
% 90 10 the rear. The enemy was now near
and opened on the ambulances with artillery
a most outrageous thing as there were nc
/ troops near the ambulances. We reached the
pike without much damage. Placing the ambu
lances in hollow near the pike, took pc
stion where ] could see the progress of the
battle. The Eighth and Nineteenth Corps had
/ gained position where they could strike back
and seemed TO be doing good service. The Sixth
/ Corps was getting in its good work, and the
/ storm was stayed. The cavalry under Torbert
was massing for a grand charge on the lef
i flank.
j n
| each side waiting for some new demonstration
it came in manner not expected. Dowr
the pike in the direction Of Winchester was
big dust, aud now and then a faint cheer
| Many an anxious eye watched the dust as i
neared US. Surely il could not be the enemy
for there were but one or two horsemen, anC
as they came nearer we heard the men cheer
ing louder and louder. Then we saw a hors
aud rider dashing madly ahead, and as thu
dust cleared away we behold-Sheridan! Chez
| after cheer greeted the commander.
With an eagle eye Gen. Sheridan graspet
thesituation. Ordering battery that followed
him 10 take position, anu with a motion Of tn
| hand 10 the enemy, as much as 20 say "Ther
they are!" he dashed 10 the front.
How quickly the scene changed. Gen. Gus
ter was ordered 10 his old position on the RICH
flank, and be went with a dash through wood
and over fields. Nearing his old camp he saw
the enemy in full possession. but with no pick
cts. Placing his battery in position he opene
fire, and this was the signal for Sheridan
Custer led his brigade in a grand charge
Then the whole army moved forward, aud tn
rout Of the enemy WAS utter and complete
Gen. Custer carried everything in his front
crossed Cedar Creek, and followed until dark.
Very many were the captures made by Custer
men. For instance, the lst VT. Cav captures
alone 81 pieces Of artillery, three battlefag,
three general officers and many prisoners an
smallarms. From what i saw Of the battl
every one did what he could 10 recover th
day, whether he belonged 10 the Eighth, Nine
teentb, or Sixth Corps. think, however, tina
Gen. Custer is entitled 20 great credit for ia
work be and his brigade performed that day
S. A. CLARK, Co. i, LIST VT. Cav, Holabirt
OAK